Everton have been dealt a transfer blow as Reading’s Omar Richards is reportedly closing in on extending his contract at the Madejski Stadium.
The 22-year-old has already featured 20 times this season in the Championship and has attracted hefty Premier League interest. Indeed, German champions Bayern Munich were also making moves to keep tabs on Richards.
With the defender now into the final six months of his contract, West Ham and Crystal Palace were also reported to be circling for his signature, but all of these suitors look destined to miss out.
Reading Chronicle journalist Eddie Wallbank has poured cold water on talk of the Toffees securing their target after tweeting an update on his contract situation, saying: “I understand that talks between #ReadingFC and Omar Richards are going very well. A deal is very close to agreement.”
I understand that talks between #ReadingFC and Omar Richards are going very well. A deal is very close to agreement. https://t.co/Lvf0Sj0T1c
— Eddie Wallbank (@EddieRFC7) January 5, 2021
Reading, who enjoyed a stellar start to the season, currently sit in fifth place in the Championship and should not be ruled out as meaningful contenders for promotion to the Premier League this season.
Read Everton Verdict
Missing out on the young defender could be a real shame for Carlo Ancelotti’s future squad plans, although it is not one on which Everton need to overly dwell.
The Toffees seem strongly interested in signing a right-back to replace the likes of Jonjoe Kenny and Seamus Coleman in the long run, having recently been linked with Max Aarons of Norwich.
Unlike Richards, Aarons has proven Premier League quality at an even younger age, and is a far more viable – albeit costlier – option.
